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Press release blog for Joyner Library

Joyner Library Recovers From Major Water Leak

GREENVILLE, N.C. (7/2/2014) Joyner Library personnel discovered a major water leak on June 29, 2014. Initial findings included standing water in the stacks on the second floor with a major leak from a rusted pipe fitting in the conservation lab located between the North Carolina Collection and University Archives on the third floor.

The library’s disaster response team was activated and campus police and ECU’s facility services reported to the site along with CareMaster Fire and Restoration.

“Thank you to the library first responders who found the leak’s source and stopped it to prevent additional damage. Thanks also to the many library staff members who reported on their day off to assist with the recovery effort,” says Janice Lewis, interim dean of Joyner Library.

Damage to the collections included forty-six boxes and 25 bundles of the University Archives holdings. Approximately 1500 books in the general collection were affected. Initial loss estimates are $30,000 for 600 books and $5000 to repair approximately 500 books. The remaining materials will be restored at minimal cost.

Joyner Library salvage teams followed standard disaster protocol by triaging water-damaged materials. General collection books were placed on water absorbent paper, positioned appropriately and fanned out. Rare and one-of-a-kind holdings from Archives were layered between Reemay and blotting paper. All materials were centralized in containment areas with dehumidifiers and fans. Processing time for the Archives materials is estimated at seven to ten days. Materials from the general collection could take up to four months to be returned to circulation.

“We were fortunate that the response time was so quick,” says Eleanor Cook, assistant director for Discovery and Technology Services and disaster response team coordinator. “It was a great team effort by Joyner personnel and in some cases their families. The disaster response team had a tabletop exercise planned over the summer. This live drill was an unexpected test of our preparedness and couldn’t have been more smooth.”

The building suffered damage to ceiling tiles, walls, and carpet and floor areas on the second and third floors. The estimated costs for repair and clean up are ongoing. The North Carolina Collection (NCC) remains closed to the public; however, unaffected materials may be requested and delivered as needed by the Circulation or Special Collections staff. The NCC service desk anticipates reopening in ten days.

Subject liaison librarians will work in conjunction with ECU faculty on replacing necessary materials lost from the general collection over the fall semester.